MD_DA431                                                         
DA                                                               
MD DA431 BUTTER - CENTRAL                             

MADISON, WI.  November 18, 2009 (REPORT 46)
                       
CENTRAL BUTTER:

The CME cash butter price has held steady for the past week at 
$1.5250, the highest thus far this year and comparable to $1.6250
last year.  A year ago at this time, the cash price started a 
steady decline until mid December when the price bottomed out at 
$1.1100.  Currently, churning activity in the Central part of the 
country is seasonally active and dependent on cream availability. 
Class II demand has been active over the past few weeks as 
production of cream based holiday items is strong.  Shipments of 
Class II items and butter are now basically over for the 
Thanksgiving holiday with manufacturers and handlers now looking 
toward the yearend holiday period.  Retail orders have slowed 
somewhat as retailers take a short break to see how Thanksgiving 
sales have cleared supplies before reordering.  As has been 
occurring in recent weeks, additional retail promotions are 
appearing in print.  Local, store brands, have been featured at 
$0.9800 per pound with others slightly higher and name brands are 
featured under $2.00 per pound.  Food service buyers continue to 
exercise caution with their orders as traffic through restaurants 
and food service outlets is increasing, but is often lighter than 
desired.  Spot bulk butter prices range from 2 - 4 cents over 
various pricing basis and averages per pound.

1500C steve Schneeberger  (608)250-3204